This is the first installment in a weekly Tee To Green feature in which we check in via email with Central Oregon golf facilities for an offseason update. This week we contacted Rob Malone, director of golf at Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters.

Malone has been in charge of Aspen Lakes’ golf operations since 2011. This is what he had to say about the current business of golf and about Aspen Lakes, a family-owned course:

Q: How was business in 2013?

A: Relative to 2012, business in general was up across the board. Our banquet staff did a tremendous job of booking events and that always assists in growing golf as well.

Q: Were any changes of note made to the facility during the last year?

A: No changes of consequence. Our primary focus the last few years has been a continual improvement in the customer’s experience with us. Based on survey results and comments, those efforts are certainly paying off.

Q: Are any changes and/or improvements to the facility scheduled for 2014?

A: Other than the usual small improvements that are made year to year, no changes of note. We are continuing to work toward our long-term goals for overnight lodging but that is, of course, a slow process.

Q: After a recession that began in 2007, how have your golf operations changed in recent years?

A: Golf as a whole is still reeling from the Great Recession, though it appears most of us are out of “survival mode.” In general, if one looks for the silver lining in a difficult situation, the business environment has required courses to keep a sharper eye on expenses and improve the quality of the customer’s experience.

Q: Are the local golf facilities doing enough to attract and foster local play? If not, what more can be done?

A: This is a question we struggle with ourselves. The economics of local play are different than those of destination players. It is sometimes difficult to balance the two segments without offending one or the other. Based on what I see, it does appear some of the courses in the area — including Aspen Lakes — are experimenting to pinpoint the best manner of attracting local play. For us, it is a challenge we are determined to master.

Aspen Lakes Golf Course

Number of holes: 18

Status: Open year-round, weather permitting

Location: 16900 Aspen Lakes Drive in Sisters

Tee times: 541-549-4653

Course stats: Par 72, 7,302 yards

Head golf professional: TBA

Course designer: Bill Overdorf (original nine, 1997; second nine, 1998)

Extras: Putting green, driving range, pro shop, practice bunker, clubhouse, restaurant

Website: www.aspenlakes.com